The document discusses reasons for wanting to join Teach for America. The key points are:
1. The author wants to inspire and support students and families in low-income communities, having come from a similar background themselves.
2. Prior experiences like co-founding a youth organization have given the author insights into challenges faced by disadvantaged communities that could help their teaching.
3. The author believes underserved students and families deserve a role model who can empathize with them and help carry children through school.
1. Why I Want To Teach For America Essay
1 I seek to join Teach for America, because I seek to continue to serve others in my community and
my nation. I want to give others the opportunities that I have been afforded and inspire those who
feel hopeless. Throughout my career, I have seen what transformational and servant leaders can
accomplish in government and the private sectors. Why can't we have that in our classrooms? It's the
place where we are investing into future communities. Why not instill those value early and often
into our children so they will better decision makers in the future?
Secondly, I see Teach for America as an avenue to transition quickly from my former career into a
new on, but a focused transition. I believe working with and through Teach for America I can be
placed in location or school where I can serve not only as a teacher, but as an example to others.
My experiences and background can demonstrate a different path is available. This is why I seek to
join. To offer my skills to better those who come after.
2 My life started out as a low income family. Through hard work and pursuing educational
opportunities, my family was able to lift itself into the middle class. However, we have never
forgotten, my parents...show more content...
I have also realized the opportunities squandered by students here in the US. A free qualityeducation
available to all up to high school is so rare in some parts of the world. I have seen its true value as I
watched Iraqi school kids between 6–10 years old, walk the same roads US soldiers feared be
attacked by IED, just to get to school on time. These same schools with desks that are so worn that
the elbow and foot prints of students' years before are imprinted into the desk. Blackboards that are
more grey than black, chipped and stained but still used to teach English to Iraqi children. These
experiences helped shaped my desire to help where I
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
2. Teach For America
Teach For America
Since Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans in 2005, 4,500 public school teachers were fired in the
city. The storm is the cause of this city's struggling public school system. Also, the public school
population has dropped dramatically. In 2010, studies found 4,000 teens, which is about 10 percent
of the city's student population not even enrolled in school (Vanacore 1). The city has fired 7,500
unionized teachers and other school employees, predominately African
American women (Shaw 1). The storm played a huge role in the loss of so many teachers, which
lead to Teach for America. Teach For America, is a nonprofit organization whose stated mission is
to "enlist, develop, and mobilize as many as possible of our nation's...show more content...
Wright Charter School in Uptown." These people bring a lot
...and invest in the community" (Vanacore 1).
To a casual observer, Teach for America's narrative is compelling: an...teach
(Vasquez 1). According to my calculations, more than 80 percent of the recruits have for
graduate school (Vasquez 1). Another career before their fourth year, taking with them all of the
training and recruiting dollars taxpayers and universities have interested in them–as much as
$70,000 a year (Vasquez 1). As I discuss in 2010...student's test scores rages on in academia
(Vasquez 1). The high turnover among these temporary teachers undermines students'
achievement at the schools they are placed (Vasquez 1).
A $266,000 contract to enlist Teach for America's help with recruiting has divided the
Jefferson Parish School Board (Shaw 1). Some members say it's money better...they can muster
to staff their classrooms (Shaw 1). A push to approve the two–year pact with Teach for America
on Wednesday night, April 22 failed (Shaw 1). The contract would have Jefferson pay
$133,000 a year for recruiting, training...10 to 20 students (Shaw 1). In 2013–14,
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
3. Essay On Teach For America
I seek to join Teach for America to give back to low income communities I have always had a
passion to serve my community, rather if it was by volunteering at the local Boys and Girls Club,
visiting the elderly, or lending a helping hand at Habitat for Humanity. If given the opportunity to
join Teach for America I would be able to not only serve a local community but also teach the future
leaders of America. I believe that a quality education should not be upon the basis of race or family
income, but from the quality of the educator that comes in contact with each child. It is as if the
quality of the teacher can somehow have an everlasting effect on the students that he or she comes in
contact with. It is an endless cycle of an unmotivated and uncaring teacher's coming into school
districts and helping to further hinder the students. The...show more content...
I have a personal connection with the children in these areas because I am too come from a low
income, impoverished, rural area. I understand the hardships that many kids will face because of the
lack of educational resources and quality teachers. I believe that many of the obstacles can be
abstained if each student is able to be impacted by a teacher who is resilient and passionate as I was
impacted by Ms. Gloria Brantley. As a child growing up in rural Georgia I had no aspirations in
furthering my education. I did not dream of being a doctor, teacher or lawyer because I did not have
the encouragement from my family or other teachers. It was not until I met my sixth grade English
teacher Ms. Brantley that I started to believe that I could actually do something with myself and that
I did not have settle for the life that I was accustomed to. She saw the determination
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
4. I Would Like To Teach For America
I would like to be part of Teach for America due to my love and ethical responsibility to teaching
students. I have an ethical responsibility to teach because of my in–depth knowledge of student
development in the areas of physical, social/emotional, and cognitive domains of children. Another
aspect of my ethical responsibility that verifies why I would like to be a part of Teach for America
is that, like Teach for America, I believe that everystudent deserves an education that is
developmentally appropriate and meets their individual needs. I would be working alongside
professionals whose main focus is on the concept of equity for all. Every student has the right to
education no matter their race, gender, or economic background. Coming from
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
5. Passion To Teach For America
While my dedication to teaching at some capacity has been a lifelong passion, I would like to
explain why I want to join Teach for America by starting at the beginning of my own academic
journey:
I could not read a sentence until I was in third grade, two to three full years behind my average
peer. In addition to being hopelessly behind in both reading and mathematics, I had terrible
experiences with bullying. The combination of poor academic performance and social issues was
deadly to my ability to learn. It took a year and two teachers who were incredibly dedicated to my
individual progress to catch me up to my peers. And that was all I needed––two teachers who
noticed and cared––to begin my work towards an eventual Ivy League education
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
6. Teach For America Research Paper
Teach for America
Management Research Paper
Daniel Miller
Corning Community College
Table of Contents
IntroductionPage 3
Overview of the Company and Management PhilosophyPage 3
Organizational CulturePage 4
Managerial Decision MakingPage 5
Planning ProcessPage 6
Organizational StructurePage 6
Human Resource ManagementPage 7
Workforce DiversityPage 7
Leadership/MotivationPage 9
Managing Teams
Managerial Control
Wrap Up – Lessons Learned
Introduction
Teach for America is a non–profit organization. According to its website, it admits only the top
applicants, recruiting teachers to work in low–income communities. It trains and supports the
teachers...show more content...
268) Teach for America has an organizational culture of focusing on people. Kopp (2011) writes
"If at the time I had understood the importance of ensuring the necessary funds before moving
forward with new ideas, Teach for America would never have been born in the first place," in
regard to her college idea that became Teach for America.
Teach for America has an organizational culture of Teamwork. Kopp (2011) writes about teachers
committed to making a difference. She tells stories of teachers becoming involved with families,
providing tutoring outside of the school day, and being strong inspiring leaders in the districts they
are working in. They encourage families they work with to pursue good educations. (p. 158)
In her book, Kopp (2011) rights that "one of the most dramatic changes in our organization was in
our organizational culture." (p. 143) She describes the upward spiral of Teach for America and the
goal setting process she implemented with all senior level managers. She attributes these goals and
the continual feedback process to the staff's greater responsibility for the organizations
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
7. I am seeking to join Teach for America for a few reasons. The first reason is because I want to
make a change. So many of today's youth are lacking the required educational foundation needed to
succeed. The problem is not that they aren't smart enough or that they are not capable of high
achievement. The problem is that they are not given the same opportunities that are found in a
different zip code or a neighboring town. The lack of equality in the education system is disparaging
and is a social injustice effecting children that do not have any control over the area where they live.
It is my belief that many students in low–income communities can benefit from having someone
who believes in them and can help them reach their highest potential.
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
9. According to the article, What Makes a Great Teacher?, a student's education solely depends on the
teacher alone and how he or she performs in the classroom. In this case, I am in favor of having the
program, Teach for America, ensuring a good and ever–changing education for those students in
need. The videos embedded within the article gives a clear depiction of what a "good" teacher
appears and acts like in front the classroom. These examples derive from actual teachers working
with Teach for America illustrating a successful teacher and classroom. Although the Motivator, Tour
Guide, Manager, and Connector are all great examples for teachers, current teachers should not
epitomize and mimic one example but parallel all. I believe that...show more content...
Any student, whether in elementary or college, learns better when the subject matter is
thought–provoking and appealing. Traditional and old curriculum provides a baseline for students to
meet and follow. Also, traditional curriculum is based of individualism and discourages exchanges
between the student and teacher. Individual work teaches the child to develop internal critical
thinking skills but it may bore the student. Teachers should continually interact with their students
and challenge the student to think outside the box. Great teachers in today's system should help
students develop a new way of thinking about history, math, english, and science and their education
in general. Another reason that Teach for America is a great program for upcoming teachers and
education is that it strives for the improvement of student's work. Though this is another common
goal among all teachers, it is the main concern for Teach for America. The amount of support each
teacher has for the students by working with this program is significant because it shows the
students that they are cared for. Learning and educating is a two–way process and bonds between the
student and teacher. If the child knows that the educator is willing to put in the time for him or her,
the child will reciprocate those same actions within their classwork. Furthermore, teachers must love
and care about
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
10. Teach For America Summary
The article starts out by mentioning that throughout the city of New Orleans you will find that Teach
for America alumni hold high job positions in Louisianan's educational system. Examples of a few
of these positions include the superintendent of the Recovery District and a state school board
members. It goes on to explain that the people of New Orleans are asking controversial questions
about Teach for America that the organization has been dealing with since it was founded. Some of
these questions are: do its recruits continue working as teachers after their two year commitment
ends? Are their members prepared enough to handle inner city children and the unique challenges
they face? And what makes Teach for America recruits with no educational training or experience,
good enough for the...show more content...
However, test scores do not constitute as the only important factor in education and some charter
schools throughout New Orleans have mixed feelings about Teach for America. Sophie Wright,
principal at a charter school in uptown, said, "These people bring a lot of energy and creativity, but I
need people who are going to stay and invest in this community." Mickey Landry, the principal at
Lafayette Academy Charter School, has stopped hiring Teach for America instructors because of
high turnover rates and the instructors not being able to handle the job emotionally. Landry believes
that there's value in having a teacher who's willing to stick around to invest in their community. A
national study published in the Phi Delta Kappan reported that sixty percent of their instructors
remain teachers after their two year commitment ends however after five years only fifteen percent
remain in the same low income school where they were originally placed (Vanacore,
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
11. Why do you seek to join Teach For America?
I believe Teach For America would allow me to inspire families and their children to learn and
embrace education. As a young child born of immigrant parents, living in Southern California's
Coachella Valley, I experienced the transition from a low–income community to a mid–income
community. My experience has allowed me to understand the challenges families from low–earning
neighborhoods face. I have seen firsthand the disparity between two different socioeconomic classes
and it is clear that they need support.
I believe the students and families from underrepresented communities deserve a role model who can
empathize with them and help carry their children through school, especially when no one seems
...show more content...
I strongly believe that I would add value to the program and bring on board new perspectives while
having these communities' needs and their interest at heart.
As you know, our corps members teach in predominantly low–income communities. What
experiences (in life, work, volunteering, etc.) have you had that could inform your success teaching
in low–income communities?
Prior to beginning of my college career I helped co–found an organization, MYLIFE, which helped
encourage youth to reach their potential. By speaking to local communities and schools I served as
an advocate for youth who believed they had no voice or recognition in their communities. The small
group of community leaders that joined together at that time to start the organization–subsidized by
Magellan Behavioral Health in Arizona– shared the passion to educate local public schools and
communities in disadvantaged urban areas about the stigma attached to mental illness. This allowed
parents and students to become aware of the complexities of mental health and a reduction of
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
12. Teach for America has a vast array of benefits for it members. The members will receive a full first
year salary, health benefits, a signing bonus (a stipend offered by AmeriCorps), access to
discounts, such as SAT and MCAT prep courses, waived application fees for graduate degree
programs. Teach for America members develop leadership, management, and critical thinking skills.
Members have access to more than 200 graduate schools and employer partnerships, plus a network
of nearly 30,000 leaders working within and beyond education (Lapayese, Aldana, & Lara, 2014).
Teach for America recently initiated a fellowship program to place alumni into one year fellowships
in congressional offices on Capitol Hill completing the work of a regular congressional staffer
(Heiling & Jez, 2014). Teach for America has also partnered with Goldman Sachs, in which recruits
were guaranteed jobs at the investment bank directly following their two year commitment in the
classroom and were placed in internship positions with the company during the summer between the
first and second year as teachers (Goldstein, 2014).
Teach for America place a large number of white teachers with non–white students in urban
under–resourced schools. This creates a significant mismatch between teachers and students. Teach
for America try to prepare their members for the racial and cultural difference they may encounter
when they enter the classroom. The summer institute also presents an opportunity for its
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
13. Statement Of Purpose To Teach For America
Teach For America has a huge impact on low–income communities' education. This is one very
important reason that I would love to become a part of this organization. I want to be a part of a
group that creates a lasting impact on children's education by giving them the resources necessary to
succeed. With the proper education, I believe that students can reach their highest potential. When
students are reaching their fullest potential, gaps in education can begin to close and we can begin
to have equal education for all children. This is something I want to help accomplish with Teach For
America. Another reason I am seeking to join Teach For America is because, it will give me the
opportunity to better train and prepare myself, as an educator,
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
14. Reflection On The Teach For America Core Values
To me, the Teach for America core values is a commitment to never settle. Teach for America is
dedicated to continually fighting against inequality in ways that are realistic and instill a sense of
responsibility in a community. I hope to become inspired as a leader at the LEAD 2017 summit by
learning new leadership styles, network with other student leaders to gain ideas, as well as, learn
more about the core values of Teach for America. I plan to apply what I would learn at the LEAD
2017 summit to all of my leadership roles at Rutgers University. I love to share new ideas with my
peers; therefore, the knowledge gained from attending the LEAD 2017 summit will not end after the
weekend. I plan to share leadership strategies with other leaders
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
15. Statement Of Purpose To Teach For America
I am extremely interesting in Teach For America because I live by the motto, "Be who you needed
when you were younger". I am a first generation Mexican–American student from the inner city of
Toledo, Ohio and attended a public school district where 80 percent of students receive free
/reduced lunch and the graduation rate is 49 percent. The lack of academic preparation left me
adrift at a university with rigorous academics, such as Ohio State. As a young girl growing up on
the east side of Toledo, there were many mentors who encouraged me to do better and ensured
where I was born was not where I must remain. I'd like to do the same with other children living in
poverty and assist them in overcoming obstacles that present themselves in their
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
16. I seek to join Teach For America because I want to make a difference. Living overseas has shown
me that there is true poverty in the world. This poverty still exists in America as well. I believe that
no one should come to school hungry, that each child should get the individualized attention they
need, and that the inequality between the rich and poor students should not exist. If the next
generation gets the teachers and schools they deserve, we can fix these issues as a nation, then begin
to try to help the rest of the world.
TFA is actively trying to make this gap disappear. I was lucky enough to grow up with a great
education, and I want to help others get the same education I got. I love to help others understand,
and learn
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
17. I desire to join the Teach for America organization in order to help me establish my teaching
abilities. I have a passion for teaching children. I have always wanted to teach others rather
children or adults alike. I first found my love of teaching at Wednesday night bible study class with
the two and three year old class. I enjoyed seeing how much they loved learning the lessons and how
they interacted with me and the other teacher. I know your organization will help me to achieve
becoming a teacher through your training and hands on experience that you offer to your applicants
that are chosen for this task. Teach for America will help me to grow and develop the necessary
skills that I will need in order to be successful within the classroom
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
18. Statement Of Purpose To Teach For America
Teach for America aims at bringing equality in the American education system. I want to join
teach for America because I have the passion for kids. I personally believe that I share a common
ambition with TFA, and being a part of TFA family is a major opportunity for career development
. This is because I am a person who advocates for equality among kids irrespective of their race,
tribe, sex and their religious background. Therefore, joining TFA will create a major opportunity for
me to meet my dream of helping kids achieve their goals in life.
Again, I want to contribute my quota to help our nation achieve its goal of creating a balance in the
education system as far as the supply of teachers is concerned. It is my major dreams to become
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
19. Reflective Essay: Joining Teach For America
The simple and honest truth is that I want to make a difference. Joining Teach For America would
be valuable to my society, and to myself. I always dreamed of joined the Peace Corps or some kind
of non–profit organization following college. I have always had an interest in teaching, because I
have had a love of care for and working with children for as long as I can remember. I also have
always put a lot of value into a good education. Some of the teachers I had in high school were some
of the most influential people I have had in my life, many of whom I still retain contact with. I want
the chance to leave a positive influence on a student's developing mind. I believe that the quality of
a child's education should be separate from the factors
Get more content on HelpWriting.net
20. Teach For America Reflection
This semester was very informative as far better understanding some important and major events
that took place in the United States in regards to education. One of the subjects that really got me
thinking was when we talked about how privatization is taking over democratic public education. I
truly bothers me to think that we are starting to go into path where all that is valued is scores
/standardized test results. I truly believe we teach to help children to help them not only learn basic
skills but also to give them opportunities to be curious and want to explore different topics in
different content areas. This also is essential to help them better understand what they want for their
future as far as possible career. But when the focus are test...show more content...
While I read "Alligator–Crocodile" and it was such a great story, I could not stop wondering about
how many students out there are not getting that much needed emotional and social learning while
attending kindergarten because the school is already obsessing about preparing them for tests?
"Standardized tests and benchmark targets are a distraction from the real lessons that children
need to rise above adversity and succeed in life" (page 110). I completely agree with the
statement made by the author, children need to gain social skills, it is an essential skill. I also read
" Why I Quit Teach for America", I was truly bothered to realize that an organization that has such a
straightforward and positive title could have so many flaws. "Under the guise of being professional,
the diversity sessions taught corps members to stay within their locus of control and not allow
external issues to get in the way of effective teaching" (page 67). An organization that does not take
into account the student population, the community and or issues taking place. How can you not?
Should we expect student to learn or perform well when they are hungry or having issues outside the
Get more content on HelpWriting.net